10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Backpacking Alone

[@TheHungryHiker]

Have you gone hiking or backpacking alone before? Or are you getting ready to plan your first trip? If so, let me know in the comments! Time is running out! The LAST enrollment period for The Confident Solo Female Backpacker System in 2024 closes on December 15th. Click here to schedule your free Zoom call to chat with me and see if this program would be a good fit for you ➡ thehungryhiker.myclickfunnels.com/tcsfbs-application-yt

[@mtadams2009]

I am older 65 and I have been hiking solo for about ten years. All my friends have long since given up backpacking and they certainly don’t want to do a thru hike of any length. The last couple of few years I have been hiking with my 50 pound hound mix Maggie. She is great company and never complains. I do carry all her gear and food which is definitely a thing. I use a pre printed list and I cross everything as I put in my pack. I have list for Maggie’s gear and food too. This September we will be driving out from New England to hike the Colorado Trail. We have done the Long Trail and long sections of the AT. I think I would have a hard time hiking with other people. I am to slow for young person and far to fast for anyone near my age. Take care

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome!! Keep on truckin'!

[@1anita1m]

Great info. I always need and want reminders. It doesn't matter how many times I have done something. I always like to double check everything, before I walk out my front door. Thank you for the reminders.😊❤

[@TheHungryHiker]

You're very welcome!!!

[@vagabondwildernesswanderings]

So glad I signed up for this program! Life changing!

[@TheHungryHiker]

I'm so glad you joined this program too! Thank you for allowing to be part of your backpacking journey. :)

[@candacetoms4927]

Perfect timing! I’ve got a solo trip coming up in a couple of days! Lots of excellent advice and reminders in this video. I remember the first time I tried to light my stove, my hands were shaking so bad it took me 3 tries. 😂 I definitely thought I was going to blow myself up.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I love this! Glad this video was able to help you get ready for your upcoming trip. That backcountry stove fear is REAL!! Even to this day, sometimes it still spooks me. Hahaha!!

[@e.k.4508]

Very inspiring and also great tips! I've been backpacking solo in my early twenties. Then life struck: children, sickness, work, taking care of my parents and such. In 2025 I'll be able to go again! I will be 60 then. Now working on condition and putting together a nice set of gear. I can afford (ultra) light weight now and bet this will be a game changer compared to my experience then with a 18 kilo (49 lbs) pack. My tip: don't chave on a bit of extra weight to get a good night's sleep. If you don't sleep well, you can't enjoy the hike. A comfortable mat is worth it's weight compared to a thin aluminium sheet f.i.

[@TheHungryHiker]

I 100% agree with you about be willing to carry a little extra weight when it comes to your sleep system. I know my sleep system is a bit heavier than most, but I need that extra insulation, wide sized pad, sleeping bag liner and pillow in order to get a really goodnight's sleep while out on trail. My philosophy is always: "If I can't get a goodnight's sleep, I can't hike and if I can't hike, what the heck am I doing out there?" Here's to an incredible 2025 backpacking season!

[@scottplumer3668]

I always go solo, and I always leave a detailed plan with my wife before I leave, including where I'm planning to park, camp, etc., as well as who to call if I don't come home. If you just call 911 for your loved one, and they're 200 miles away, the dispatcher might not have any idea who to contact, and that can delay things, but having the number of the park rangers or local sheriff saves a lot of time. When I went to North Manitou Island in Michigan, I contacted the National Lakeshore and asked specifically which number I should give my wife had I not returned on time, and they were delighted that someone took the time to inquire about it.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Great suggestion on finding out who to specifically contact in an emergency, depending on where you plan on going for your trip.

[@kccampos199]

I love the sweater you have on! May I ask where you got this?

[@TheHungryHiker]

That's my mellie from Melanzana melanzana.com

[@TheHikingChick1]

Your videos always get me pumped up for the next adventure. I'm heading out next Spring to continue section hiking the PCT solo. I feel confident getting out on the PCT because there's so many others on trail with the same goals. I'm less confident getting out on other trips alone but hope to gain more confidence as I do more of the PCT. One thing I sketch on is leaving the car at trailheads. Any tips on that or ideas for choosing that first solo trip location would be awesome! Always great tips in your videos! 💯

[@TheHungryHiker]

Glad that my videos help pump you up for your outdoor adventures. I love that! There's always going to be a risk with leaving your car anywhere unattended, even at a trailhead. My best advice would be to park your car at a busier trailhead where there's going to be more people around and hopefully less likely of someone messing with your car. Also, never leave anything of value in plain sight inside your car once it's parked. For reference, for my solo section hike on the PCT in Washington back in 2021, I parked my car at Stevens Pass right off of Highway 2 and hiked all the way to Rainy Pass (126 miles). I had to leave my car parked at the trailhead for almost two weeks! Before I left, I made sure to put up all my window coverings (the same ones I use for car camping) and I came back to my car was totally fine. Break-ins happen. They're random and unpredictable. Your best bet to choose a busy trailhead (read current trip reports to see if anyone is reporting on a problem with car break-ins at the trailhead) and then don't leave anything of value in your car. Good luck!

[@maryannloomis5028]

I started solo backpacking last year and am doing the PCT in 2025. Mentally, it's been a huge healing experience for me and the thru hikers I've met on trail have been the best people.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Love this! Good luck on your PCT thru-hike in 2025 and have fun out there!!

[@williamwadejr5302]

I’d advise to keep your electronic devices as close to your body (inside your coat, jacket, shirt, etc) in cold weather. Batteries don’t like cold. My Iphone takes great pictures and it is convenient to use it for that but it drains the battery. I’m looking for a digital camera instead. Save my phone for when I really need it. I think Iphone 14 and up has satellite communication abilities. The compass, elevation and longitude/latitude functions off satellite. So even with no cell you still have that. I learned that when I could make a fire to do that and save my stove fuel for wet conditions when making a fire was difficult. But the best thing I heard in a long time is your home cooked meals that you take. That could be a real game changer. I’m looking into that.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Great suggestion about keeping electronic devices close to your body, especially during the colder months. This is something I ALWAYS mention and recommend in all of my winter hiking videos. Just couldn't possibly throw ALL the tips into one video. Winter Hiking videos: kzbin.info/aero/PL_AmksOve1XToPwG_BVn_-ufSqTXQ-7nr Not sure if you've had a chance to check out this video yet, but here's where I showed how I turned all of my Thanksgiving leftovers into freeze-dried backpacking meals. You might find this one helpful and inspiring when deciding how you want to bring your own home cooked meals with you out on trail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHi7faRnhbiarbc

[@williamwadejr5302]

@ I did! You got some good meals out of that and no waste. Smart thinking.

[@4potslite169]

I can count the times I’ve done backpacking trips w others on one hand. I hate it. There are enough hikers out there to seek out company if you like that sort of thing. I prefer being on my own and rarely seek out company.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Some people love or hate backpacking in groups. I feel like there's a time and place for both going in a group and going solo. I usually lean more towards going on my own, which is why it's become such a passion of mine to help inspire other women to want to do it too!

[@yvonnehathaway8435]

Link to your diy first aid kit didn't populate the video.. can you post it here?

[@TheHungryHiker]

How to Create a Backpacking First Aid Kit kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJzHd6eOrrCimsk

[@yvonnehathaway8435]

Thanks for the link.

[@GTFBITK]

Do not let your water filter freeze! I broke a Katadyn befree from leaving it on top of my car over night in 20*F.

[@TheHungryHiker]

100% agree with this one. Do everything you can to prevent your water filter from freezing. Once it freezes, it will never work the same way again and just might stop working all together.

[@nealgrey6485]

😊

[@doncherney8649]

The one thing that has ended so many of my hikes early is chafing. Am I the only one with this issue? I hardly ever hear anyone ever talk about it. -don from Lorain Ohio USA 🇺🇸

[@TheHungryHiker]

Sorry that you keep having an issue with chafing. I've found what works for me is to use Body Glide and apply to the parts of my body that are prone to chafing before going for a hike or as soon as I feel the chafing coming on. Seems to always work like a charm for me. Good luck!

[@Watcher413]

@@doncherney8649 depends where you are chaffing and gender if it’s there. For example I’m a man and used to chaff a lot there turns out it was underwear material and fit. I’ve seen people have the issue with inner thighs and I noticed those that complain about that usually have a rough material pants and pants that are too tight on the upper legs. How you dress for regular day to day life verses hiking should be a bit different. Like to help prevent chaffing I’ve gone towards trail running shorts with a built in liner (underwear) that also helps with staying dry from it being fast drying and versatility in clothing to dress down due to heat. And then I wear pants designed for rock climbing since they provide a looser fit on my upper legs. Also chaffing from a backpack usually comes down to wrong size backpack. Get measured for a backpack and know your size and what’s the backpack. Like with me I wear a US mens Large but my backpack size is 18” so despite my shirt size most backpacks need to be a size small to fit proper and I personally need something that with be breathable to a degree since I sweat easy and a fair amount. Also if your chaffing around your torso change out your shirt if it’s cotton to something smooth and breathable and something that is proper fitting not a dress blowing in the wind or too tight. It all depends where you are chaffing which dictates options to prevent it. But also to a degree body type. Like my GF legs rub nomatter what so if she wants to hike she needs to wear lightweight leggings to help her upper legs to glide instead of rub. I hope this helps you or points you into the right direction to look into. But if your curious with clothing I wear wool blended mid weight socks, trail running shoes or hiking boots, trail running shorts, rock climbing pants (tighter in the lower legs and loose on the upper legs), slim fit 1/4 zip running t-shirt, slim fit wool blended mid layer jacket as my go to basics and a buff around my neck. And my backpack is properly sized to me and fairly light not true UL but fairly close. My GF is similar except running tights and then a hiking skirt and an athletic bra. Also once you figure out what’s wrong and how to solve it pass on the knowledge to someone. Idk why most people don’t talk about the small issues like this since it really would help a lot of new hikers.

[@chriscook3120]

Look into changing your underwear. I like the gym shorts with the compression shorts built in. If I am wearing pants then I like the under armor boxer briefs. But I have a drawer full of drawers to find what works best for me. Body glide works great I use a homemade concoction made from Vaseline, tea tree oil and beeswax.

[@Meskarune]

wear bike shorts they help a lot.

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@Meskarune I know lots of hikers and backpackers who swear by wearing bike shorts to help prevent chafing. Great suggestion!

[@Meskarune]

I don't have anyone to go hiking with me so my first hike will probably be solo. I'm doing it close to home though.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Not having someone to go with me was a huge motivator for starting on my own solo hiking/solo backpacking journey. I also recommend choosing trails closer to home when first starting out, to help build up your confidence.

[@judithrussell9162]

Ha, no you're not the only one to think your stove would blow up if it wasn't connected properly. I still worry if I haven't been out in a while.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Whew!! Glad I'm not the only one who feels this way!

[@pismorichy]

Growing up a competitive swimmer, ( loners) , surfer, ( loners) now 65 I cannot imagine waiting for others to plan shit with ! #1 I almost always meet other Solo back country and surprise , surprise the majority of them are Females! Several have visited my campsite. Not the other way around. I NEVER! Feel alone because I'm not , won't get into why. So all reading this , Just ALWAYS! carry a NavSat. Don't make the 10 o'clock news for being Stupid. Happy Trails/ Buen Camino

[@TheHungryHiker]

Love this! I'm always so excited whenever I get to see other fellow female solo hikers and backpackers out on trail and at camp.

[@TheHikingChick1]

I love this!💪

[@margotkeulen1086]

You could lose our phone not something/someone could borrow it!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Not exactly sure what you mean by your comment, but yes losing your phone is always a possibility.

[@roberttrinies7698]

​@TheHungryHiker I use a leash on my phone(a lightweight string)attached to phone and fanny pack, or pant loop. I make the cord length so the phone doesn't hit the ground if dropped. This keeps the phone safe from dropping, being forgotten,or easily stolen. I can still do a selfie with this setup. ✌🏼

[@TheHungryHiker]

@@roberttrinies7698 What a great idea!

[@Watcher413]

I solo everything and here is a few other recommendations Light-With the light of solo I’d highly recommend a fully waterproof battery operated flashlight with a spare. No rechargeable flashlight that’s a weakness in waterproofing. 1 battery for my headlamp last 100 hours. Fire- make sure you know how to start a fire with whatever fire starter you carry. I don’t care if it’s a bic lighter or flint and steel it’s useless unless you are able to start a fire with it. It’s a skill you learn. I’ve seen people run out of gas and can’t even cook since they can’t start a small fire with a bic lighter and they have been hungry last few days since there food is useless also you can soak your freeze dried meal in water while you hike if you don’t mind a soggy cold meal. First Aid- I highly recommend silver sulfadiazine at the highest %. It will help treat any cut and burn and massively help prevent infection. The stuff for animals and humans are the same except % by the way. Plus helps reduce scarring and heal you faster than anything on the market. Also carry a couple sutures. They are very lightweight, already has needle and thread. If you have a bad cut a bandaid will not help you and regular sewing kit from the repair kit is not going to be fun. Might aswell spend $20 for 40+ sutures all ready to go and carry 3 or so. Also I can’t stress enough know your equipment n in out and know it’s something you can trust 100%. Don’t want to find out you have a seam in your tent you need to fix but just realized you have no idea how to fix it and next thing you know you have a wet sleeping bag and 5 days away from civilization and the rain just won’t stop. And you want to know your jacket is waterproof and will hold up great. I’ve seen a lot of people think becuase it’s GoreTex it’s 100% waterproof for days on end and find out there jacket was only waterproof for 6 hours and now they are soaking wet and cold.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Great suggestions!

[@danielsingh9415]

My other rechargeable flashlight had a magnetic charge cord with proprietary USB connector, it was much more waterproof than my replacement type-C rechargeable flashlight, but I gave it away to my nephew

[@Watcher413]

@@danielsingh9415 I’ve ran into the issue with the rubber cap falling off or was a little worn then suddenly just broke off. Now weather, storage, usage will affect its time before whatever rubber cap protecting the charging port will fail. A screw on cap to hold the battery in place is great since the only thing that will fail is the rubber O Ring that is easy and light to carry a spare with you. Since if the light fails you on trail and it’s dark you are are put into a bad situation unless you can travel by moonlight then it’s just gonna be a long day of stress. That’s the fast explanation I have for my recommendation of advice. I dont enjoy gear failing while I’m solo since you are alone for who knows how long and you could be put into a situation that is dangerous and would require rescue and at worst death. Why risk it? My life is more valuable than spending a few mins and a couple extra dollars to have gear that will make my trip fun and safe not something you write a book about if your lucky to survive. Like a lot of night hikes I do has serious cliffs so yeah don’t want to accidentally fall off a cliff while solo and a few day hike from civilization.